India Tests Nationwide Disaster Alert System as Phones Receive Emergency Beep Messages

Millions of mobile users across India received an unexpected emergency alert on Saturday as the Centre tested a nationwide disaster warning system, triggering loud beeps on phones even in silent or do-not-disturb mode. Authorities clarified that the alert, labelled “Extremely Severe Alert,” was only a test and required no action from the public.

The system was officially launched on May 2, 2026, by Union Home Minister Amit Shah along with Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. It operates through the SACHET (Integrated Alert System) platform, developed by Centre for Development of Telematics under the Department of Telecommunications.

Built on the globally recognised Common Alerting Protocol recommended by the International Telecommunication Union, the system is now active across all 36 states and Union Territories. It marks a major upgrade from traditional SMS-based alerts, which have already been used to send over 134 billion messages in multiple Indian languages during disasters and weather emergencies.

Unlike regular text messages, the new Cell Broadcast technology ensures immediate visibility by overriding user settings. It delivers a loud alarm sound along with a full-screen alert, ensuring critical warnings reach users instantly, even if their devices are muted.

The system is designed to provide real-time alerts during natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and lightning strikes, as well as man-made emergencies like gas leaks or chemical hazards. Once fully operational, it aims to significantly improve public safety by ensuring rapid and widespread communication during crises.